The shadow fleet is used to trade oil while getting around increasingly stringent Western economic sanctions
08:24, Sat, Mar 15, 2025 | UPDATED: 08:32, Sat, Mar 15, 2025
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US intelligence reports suggest Putin is still on a mission to control Ukraine. (Image: Getty)
Vladimir Putin is reportedly using the English Channel to mobilise his prized "shadow fleet" of vessels used to circumvent increasingly stringent economic sanctions imposed on his country by the West. Reports claim that 15 such ships travel through the waters every day, all of which are carrying crude oil worth tens of millions of pounds. Oil is Russia's most vital resource, used to keep its haemorrhaging economy afloat as staggering sums of money are spent on defence, but it's been sanctioned in an attempt to cut off funding for Putin's war machine.
The shadow fleet is believed to be used to trade oil while getting around these penalties. Most recently, the Destan left the Russian port of Primorsk and travelled through the Channel on February 18 before travelling on through the Atlantic, dropping anchor in the Indian port of Vadinar.
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Sir Keir Starmer will host key talks regarding a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. (Image: Getty)
Fears erupt Putin 'hasn't abandoned' Ukraine domination dream as Starmer to host talks
Fears have erupted that Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his dream of controlling Ukraine despite his apparent willingness to cooperate in peace talks. US intelligence reports suggested the Russian president's aim of "dominating" the country still remains strong, and a future ceasefire would just be used to rearm troops and stage a provocation to continue fighting. Sources told the Washington Post that the Russian leader remains intent on bringing Ukraine into his "security and economic orbit".
This comes ahead of key talks regarding a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Hosted by Sir Keir Starmer, these talks will see the UK Prime Minister virtually meet with up to 25 members of the "coalition of the willing" - countries that are willing to take on a peacekeeping role. The Prime Minister warned ahead of the talks: "We can’t allow President Putin to play games with President Trump’s deal. The Kremlin’s complete disregard for President Trump’s ceasefire proposal only serves to demonstrate that Putin is not serious about peace."
Donald Trump says he was being 'sarcastic' on Ukraine peace claim
Donald Trump said his previous claims of ending the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours were "a little bit sarcastic".
He said: "Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that. What I really mean is I'd like to get it settled and, I'll, I think, I think I'll be successful."
The US president is now more than 50 days into his second term and has established peace talks, but not a ceasefire yet.
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